Margarita,
Very good exhortation. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
June,
You are so very right on all accounts. Excellent examples.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Chris,
The lifelong learner, as you so aptly pointed out, has a great foundation for critical thinking. Excellent points.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
in todays spontanious world of "I want it NOW" we do not tend to really think through the possibilities before us - discipline will make us slow down and evaluate what it is we really are striving for and set forth a path to get there
Tammie,
That is certainly a component. Knowing that you need to slow down is not always enough to make you do so. Self-discipline to look at the bigger picture in contrast to the immediate and superficial situation can make a big difference. Well stated.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I feel that discipline help one focus on the subject matter or topic at hand. I developes patience in ones character. Some answers require time to reach a decision. This is when discipline comes into play.
EDWARD,
Patience and focus are key characteristics in the critical thinking process. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Personal discipline has been a challenge in a lot of situations because we are not told to slow down look at the options and take time to analyze our own experiences before we open the computer and look for answers. When students read, they do not stop to allow the material to be retained in their brains. I find that being brought up in the fast paced society has made a difference in how people look at problems. Entitlement is very strong and there is no time for students to think about ideas and other options. I try to impose on my students to slow down and relook at every question to see that there are right answers on a test but there is an answer that is more complete if they analyze and see the rationalization of the questions on a test. A great challenge of every instructor today I believe!!
Carol,
I wholeheartedly agree. Sometimes, we as instructors, did not adequately model the "slow down and analyze" mode of operation. Getting our students to apply that is definitely a great challenge for today's instructor.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I correlate discipline with dedication. I challenge my students with critical thinking question, but they have to have the discipline and dedication to be able to apply the information that they just learned to solve whatever problem I give.
Jennifer,
That is probably a solid mathematical correlation as well. Do you provide any additional instruction about the required discipline? Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
it allows us to stay focused on finding the best information to solve a problem, instead of quickly trying to get the problem out of the way so we don't have to deal with it anymore
Patricia,
Excellent point. Many times our primary objective (in today's busy world) is expediency to 'take care of it' instead of acheiving a comprehensive, long-term solution. Many times next month's P&L hampers long-term quality.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Discipline has help with the way I critically think as the result of the outcomes of different situations that i have encountered
Ernida ,
I believe I understand and agree. Would you be so kind as to provide and example from your experience that demonstrates this dynamic? Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Discipline is an important component to critical thinking. In this fast pace, critical thinking is seldom use, but if we slow down and usethe thinking process, we achieve a much better outcome.
Maria Luisa,
Areed. The discipline to do so is often challenged with many other factors. Do have a preferred means to overcome these challenges? Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
While reading the segment, I was reminded of something funny my husband says "If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it must be a duck!!"
It is so important to explore and understand discipline.
Sherri,
Many times it is just a duck, but there are some clever duck costumes out there. ;-]
Mental discipline is a central component for high level critical thinking. Good point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I agree, Janet. I believe that once someones mind is set on doing something that they put alot of thought an effort into, they are more likely to get it done sooner rather than later.
